Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Frailty is a clinical syndrome characterized by reduced physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to adverse outcomes. It is highly prevalent among hospitalized patients in Internal Medicine, especially older adults, and is associated with increased risk of complications, functional decline, institutionalization, and mortality. We conducted a narrative literature review across PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies published until 2025. The review included validated screening tools, inpatient interventions, and their impact on clinical outcomes. Limitations inherent to narrative reviews, including the lack of quantitative synthesis and potential selection bias, are acknowledged. Systematic use of tools such as the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) and the FRAIL (Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses, & Loss of Weight) scale enables rapid and effective identification of frail patients. Targeted inpatient interventions - including medication optimization, nutritional support based on defined criteria, structured early mobilization, and delirium prevention - have shown benefits in reducing length of stay, complications, and functional dependence. Early implementation experiences in Portuguese hospitals suggest feasibility and clinical benefit. Frailty screening and structured management during hospitalization represent a strategic opportunity for Internal Medicine services to improve care efficiency, patient-centered outcomes, and care transitions, with measurable clinical and economic impact.
Source: Cureus
Institution: Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António EPE
Language: English
Topic: Frailty in Older Adults
Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7154610882